Ralph Brandi

Senior Web Developer

Creates microsites and site sections for agency clients such as Nikon, Intel, Sepracor, Unilever and the U.S. Army. Works with Javascript libraries, including jQuery, Mootools, and YUI. Engineers innovative solutions to issues surrounding search engine optimization and user tracking. Troubleshooting resource for fellow developers and client teams. Consults on accessibility and Section 508 issues for sites. Technical lead on Bertolli and Sepracor accounts, working with Project Managers and Account Managers to estimate new work and ensure that it is completed in a timely and efficient manner. Investigates and recommends as appropriate new technologies and systems such as social media for integration into client projects.

Freelance from April, 2008, to August, 2008; thereafter, full time.

Senior Developer (Freelance)

Created dynamic site sections for agency clients such as AT&T and Discover Card using standards-compliant (X)HTML, CSS, and Javascript. Ensured that sites worked cross-browser and cross-platform and that they degraded gracefully using progressive enhancement techniques. Worked with Javascript libraries such as JQuery and MCD's homegrown object-oriented library. Incorporated accessibility-friendly features into the sites. Troubleshooting resource for fellow developers and for client implementation teams. Created a Wiki for development group to use for documenting projects. Updated PHP-based jobs database to work with agency's new corporate web site; interfaced database with Flash front end. Created HTML-based e-mails for client.

Front End Web Developer

Implemented CSS-based design for corporate home page for www.lucent.com. Maintained pages across www.lucent.com and www.bell-labs.com at direction of members of business and marketing communities. Created reports in Accrue web statistics environment for various campaigns and worked with clients to interpret these reports. Recommended and implemented search engine optimized CSS-based design for customer segment-specific landing pages on www.lucent.com that resulted in top placement in popular search engines for desired keywords. Worked iwth client to create guidelines for ensuring that pages were optimized for search engines and users. Co-created internal weblogging system from scratch, supporting multiple weblogs, for use by Employee Communications department. Implemented CSS- and Javascript-based navigation system visually identical to previous table-based system to improve ease of maintenance and organic search engine placement.

Front End Web Developer

Designed and maintained front end for two web-based applications at fifteen-person startup. Worked closely with programmers to incorporate design into JSP-based applications. Developed code to incorporate help system into applications. Worked on front-end code for Flash-based application using Actionscript and XML.

Technical Writer

Rewrote corporate web site to accurately reflect new directions company had taken since previous update. Redesigned opening to make content more accessible and easier to find. (Site now offline. Wrote HTML-based online help systems for two JSP-based web applications. Incorporated tool-tips within the applications. Wrote hard copy installation manuals for hardware associated with both applications for professional installers and end user consumers.

Webmaster 1993-2002

Webmaster for Bell Labs internal and external sites. Conceived strategy and defined audiences for sites. Ensured user-focused methodology during design to make sites easy to use; consideration of corporate goals also weighed during design process and balanced with user needs. Troubleshot logical structure of content. Implemented design such that future design changes are relatively simple to apply across the site. Maintained sites through multiple redesigns over many years. Externally available address: www.bell-labs.com.

Usability Specialist for Commitment Register. Usability consultant for corporate-wide web-based tool to connect sales force to development groups. Conducted usability tests and focus groups with users to discover design problems. Recommended solutions and design changes that resulted in significant increased productivity in tests.

Webmaster for corporate publications and training group. Designed, implemented and maintained site for organization of ~1500 employees. Conducted usability tests with users; resulting changes saw ten-fold increases in ability to find information within tested sections. Created SQL-based databases for shared bookmarks and department-wide satisfaction surveys.

Technical Writer 1991-1995

Wrote technical documentation for StarSentry IP network management software, StarLAN Network Ethernet hardware, and StarGROUP file and print server software.

Managed production process for all StarGROUP and StarLAN documentation, interfacing between the writing group and the art and text processing groups.